How have the events of Sept. 11, 2001, affected the thoughts, attitudes and perceptions of average University students? Last week, The Cavalier Daily attempted to answer that question. It surveyed 156 University students about their thoughts on international affairs and their opinions about America's response to terrorism. The survey asked students five questions, giving them a choice of three responses: "yes," "no" or "not sure." Though the survey's methods were not strictly scientific, its results are nonetheless revealing.
Most students said they feel more conscious of international events since Sept. 11, 2001.Relatively few (30.1%) think they know more about Islam. Majorities said they support the president's "War on Terror" but are wary of an invasion of Iraq. Only a few (25.6%) said they feel less safe.
The survey also contained one free-response question:"In a few sentences, how would you say your attitudes or thoughts on world events have changed since 9/11?" Students' replies demonstrate a wide variety of reactions to Sept. 11 -- although the survey asked about thoughts on "world events," respondents sounded off on everything from patriotism to religion to their affection for those dear to them. Students shared strong emotions on all these subjects. The following are some of their comments:
Patriotism
"I have a growing sense of pride for my country."
"I am no longer under the illusion of American infallibility, but at the same time, I have never been more proud of being a U.S. citizen. The way that the country responded in these last 12 months --- by uniting together and not just becoming patriotic for a month or two --- is truly admirable."
"In the months following the events of Sept. 11, I noticed an excessive increase in nationalistic expression -- True patriotism involves both skepticism and criticism of one's own country to ensure that justice is being upheld."
"Initially, everyone was very shocked and shaken up; everyone wanted to do something to help, which was great! However, after a while certain people and organizations kept overdoing it while it should have been given a rest and not used as what seemed like such a marketing scam."
Awareness
"I think in general people all over the world are more aware of international events, not only events that affect their own country."
"I would say Americans are more aware of world events but still are not informed enough."
"I am much more aware of international feelings toward the U.S., i.e. that maybe we are not the greatest nation in the world, especially when we have taken advantage of other countries to reach our position. I feel like international events have much more importance for me as an individual."
"This semester I have been more prone to choose classes based more on an international sphere than other classes."
"I'm paying attention to the world outside of the U.S. now more than ever. I'm more wary of the state of the world, but I'm more determined to be open-minded."
"I now have a better understanding of different cultures around the world."
"Since Sept. 11, I've realized that the views or religion of a few select individuals do not necessarily reflect the views of their country."
Vulnerability
"It showed me that we're just as vulnerable as the rest of the world; it was a reality check."
"I've been somewhat disabused of the charmed American notion that nothing can hurt us, that international conflict cannot endanger myself and those close to me within our national borders."
"Previously it was something that affected Jews, Palestinians, Northern Irish, etc., but after Sept. 11 I realized how small the world truly is and how much hatred exists in it."
"It's a scary world out there -- Flying has gotten very anxiety-provoking."
"It's distressing that airlines have to take [terrorist activities] into account."
"I'm more aware of situations that could be potential terrorist targets."
Confusion
"It feels far away and so many sides are presented; it is hard to form a continuous opinion."
"Every story has two sides, but I feel as though the public is given only one side."
"I feel like I've been fed a somewhat biased version of Islam, focusing on the 71 virgins and other extreme aspects of the religion rather than a general knowledge of it."
Religion
"I am now able to see how religion affects political thoughts from both sides of the spectrum, not just America."
"I have a sense of how religion affects the world in a profound way."
Sept. 11 "has reaffirmed my belief that religion is a mask for mankind to protect them from what they do not understand."
"Disenchantment toward certain religions has grown."
"I took a class on Islam in spring 2002. It really opened my eyes to the many differences and, more surprisingly, the similarities that exist across cultures, religions and worldviews. It also brought to light what in Islam as a religion might have related to the events last September and what didn't."
The "War on Terror"
"I support the 'War on Terror' because it affects all people, not only the U.S."
"You have to take some action [against terrorists], but it's a little extreme to make it a 'War on Terror'."
"It is regretful to see how Sept. 11 impulsed a 'War on terrorism' full of hatred. This policy has created anti-Americanism around the world. It's to the point where some countries don't see Sept. 11 as a fateful event for the U.S. but rather as a lesson to the U.S."
Disillusionment with America's government
"I have become more cynical toward the foreign policy of our government, which seems to be using the attacks as a means to justify conflicts with any countries it deems hostile, whether or not there is evidence to support this."
"I have realized how biased the U.S. policy is and how much the international community resents the U.S. 'with us, without us' mentality."
"I've found myself saying anti-American statements even though I love my country. What does that say?"
"I feel as if [politicians] are too concerned about being politically correct to take proper action."
"My feelings toward how the U.S. handles foreign relations, i.e. bombing Afghanistan and killing over 2,000 innocent civilians, have changed."
"I want to get the hell out of this country -- just the fact that they can prosecute us without even a concrete reason, just their 'suspicion.'"
Gratitude
"We just can't take anything for granted anymore."
"9/11 did make me realize that I should live for the day and never miss the opportunity to tell someone that I love them."
Frustration
"Attempts to 'control' the world are as futile as they have ever been."
Apathy
"I still don't find time to follow world events."
Obligation
"I believe more fervently that liberal nations have a moral duty to prevent oppression and human rights violations."
"9/11 showed that whether we like it or not, our world is getting smaller and we must take greater care in devising foreign policy."
I feel "a greater sense of urgency for creating a world community based on common humanity and divergent cultures/religions, etc."
-- Compiled by Martin Olivier
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